For years, my girls have been begging for a puppy. Literally, every birthday and Christmas, it has been at the top of their list. But as a mom, the last thing I wanted was another living thing that I had to take care of.
Not only that, but let’s be honest, these last couple years of have been anything but smooth and steady as we have had to find our new normal and stability after divorce. There was no way I was ready to bring more chaos into the mix.
However, in the last couple of years, I also watched my baby girls grow up and mature – probably quicker than they would have if circumstances were different – but that’s something I have accepted, forgiven myself for and actually learned to embrace and love about our life.
So, I had made it up in my head that in the spring – between the girls birthdays – we would get a puppy. I figured I had a few months to change my mind, but if I didn’t then at least the weather would be warmer for potty training.
However, God – like He does – had different plans for us. In a series of sparrow-like events, a sweet little pup was presented to me in a way that I could not pass up. And, within 24 hours, Lee and I were meeting her. And then, all of a sudden, I had a puppy in my car on the way home to meet my girls – whom had no idea that my mind was even on the idea of getting a dog yet. Heck, I am not sure I even accepted that I was bringing a dog home at that point.
But guys, do you ever question a knee-jerk decision only to immediately come to a sense of peace about it? That is exactly what happened that night.
Patiently waiting on the couch as they were asked, the kids watched as Lee came in with a fuzzy little creature tucked in his vest. As the realization of what was in his vest came across their little minds, my babies screamed, jumped up and ran to snatch that sweet puppy up.
And then the tears started flowing. My sweet Maylie could not actually contain herself. I am not talking about a few trickling down her cheek – I am talking full blown overwhelming droplets of joy falling from her eyes. In disbelief that she finally received the one thing she had been begging for years, she bawled her eyes out in happiness and gratitude.
Of course, I have a video of it all – but I actually do not think I even need it to always remember her reaction. I truly believe that that memory will forever be bottled up and filed in a place in my brain that I will always be able to come back to and live in that moment of pure delight.
It was the moment that I knew for sure that it was the right decision to add this sweet girl to our family.
Although she was busy snuggling her new puppy, Reagan did shed a few tears as well, but my favorite reaction of hers was when she jumped in my arms and thanked me with that genuine gratitude. She was overjoyed as well.
Quickly, I decided — because well, I always loved the name — that her name would be Jersie. Our little Jersie girl. And while she doesn’t quite know her name yet, these last few weeks have been nothing short of amazing.
Sure, we have dealt with all the normal puppy stuff: some messes in the house as she gets the hang of potty training, a few yips and cries as she adjusts to her crate at night and when we leave, and her ability to find, and chew, literally anything that we leave on the floor. But she has also filled our mornings with extra pep and playtime and our evenings with so much more bliss and snuggles.
The girls have stepped up on responsibility, including taking her out to go potty, filling her water bowl and making sure she is fed, played with and loved on. And guys, it had been so much fun to watch my kiddos with this furry little creature who brings them so many smiles.
This sweet babe showed up in our lives earlier than I expected. But as with so many other things have as well, I have realized just how “on time” she is. Sweet Jersie girl, we love you so much, and I cannot wait to watch you grow right alongside of my baby girls for many years to come.
Sarah (Pitson) Shrader was born and raised in Lima. She is a Lima Central Catholic and Tiffin University graduate. Sarah is a full-time working mama who enjoys writing about her somewhat crazy, always adventurous life as a mother. She lives in Bath Township with her daughters and writing inspirations, Maylie and Reagan.
